Brutal murder of camper Dustin Kjersem in Montana remains unsolved
- Dustin Kjersem was found dead in his tent in Montana, initially presumed to be the victim of a bear attack.
- An investigation revealed he was murdered, suffering multiple chop wounds; authorities seek a large axe and other items believed taken from the crime scene.
- The case remains unsolved, indicating a pressing need for public assistance to ensure community safety.
In October 2024, authorities in Montana began investigating the brutal murder of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem, whose body was found in a tent at a makeshift campsite along Moose Creek Road. Initially thought to be a bear attack, evidence soon revealed he had suffered multiple chop wounds, indicating foul play. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking a large axe, specifically a blue and silver Estwing camp axe, along with other items believed to have been removed from the scene. These include a shotgun and a revolver, raising concerns over public safety. The investigation has been challenging, primarily due to the remote location where there is no cellphone service, complicating communication and lead generation. Sheriff Dan Springer noted the lack of suspects and the ongoing need for community assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward. The authorities expressed appreciation for community support, which has already led to various investigative leads. Jillian Price, Kjersem's sister, emphasized the emotional toll of the tragedy on the family and the community, reflecting on her brother's character as both a skilled tradesman and a devoted father. A GoFundMe campaign established for Kjersem's children has drawn significant financial support, exceeding $24,000, indicating community solidarity in the aftermath of this violent incident. The case remains active and unsolved, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance in apprehending the perpetrator.